Award-winning television journalist and entrepreneur Margo Wilma Spann, 40, was struck and killed in an apparent early morning hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles on March 11, 2021. She was born in Milwaukee to the late Reverend James W. Spann, II and Dr. Wilma N. Spann and she began her career in broadcast journalism in her hometown of Milwaukee.
Margo Spann was a graduate of North Division High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Chicano studies in 2002 from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She was a member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church.
Margo began her journalism career while attending the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She began her television career in Milwaukee as an assignment editor at WISN-TV Channel 12. She was also fortunate to start her on-air television career in her hometown at WVTV (WB Network). She moved to WSAW-TV (CBS) in Wausau. There she juggled reporting, anchoring and producing duties. After nearly four years in northern Wisconsin, Margo joined WSC-TV in Madison as the Rock County reporter. During her TV news career, Margo received numerous awards including: Best News Writing, Best Live Shot and Best Videography.
She moved to Los Angeles, California in 2014 and was currently working as an Entertainment Journalist and Red Carpet Correspondent. In 2018, she launched Cocoa Hollywood Media, a production company and consulting firm. Margo was the Chief Operating Officer of the Spann Foundation, a family scholarship organization started in 2002 in honor of her late father, to provide financial support to students of color in the greater Milwaukee area who are pursuing higher education opportunities.
Margo Spann was preceded in death by her late father, Reverend James W. Spann, II. She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Dr. Wilma N. Spann; seven siblings: James W. Spann III (Lauren), Timothy E. Spann, Terrance A. Spann, Esq., Kemberly N. Johnson (William), Kelby A. Spann (Alice), Karen Spann Turner, and Rev. Peter J. Spann, Esq. (Shurlonda); 15 nieces and nephews: James W. Spann IV, Ethan J. Spann, Timothy E. Spann II, Ashlee D. Tuck (Kary), William E. Johnson III, Noah J. Johnson, Aleah N. Johnson, Elijah R. Johnson, Chloe G. Spann, Kelby A. Spann II, Cameron J, Spann, Daniel C. Turner II, Adam C. Turner, Peter J. Spann II, and Anissa M. Spann; two great nieces: Ny’omi A. Johnson and Sage A. Johnson; and one great nephew, Zion A. Williams.
In lieu of flowers for Margo, please make donations to the Spann Foundation (spannfoundation.org).
Award-winning television journalist and entrepreneur Margo Wilma Spann, 40, was struck and killed in an apparent early morning hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles on March 11, 2021. She was born in Milwaukee to the late Reverend James W. Spann, II and Dr. Wilma N. Spann and she began her career in broadcast journalism in her hometown of Milwaukee.
She moved to Los Angeles, California in 2014 and was currently working as an Entertainment Journalist and Red Carpet Correspondent. In 2018, she launched Cocoa Hollywood Media, a production company and consulting firm. Margo was the Chief Operating Officer of the Spann Foundation, a family scholarship organization started in 2002 in honor of her late father, to provide financial support to students of color in the greater Milwaukee area who are pursuing higher education opportunities.
